Are you searching for bayfront real estate in Ocean City, MD with a boat slip? Then, this article is for you! I’ll share the 5 common boat dock types that could come with, or be arranged with the purchase of your next Ocean City, MD real estate purchase.

#1 Deeded Boat Docks

Deeded boat docks are separately deeded real property. In fact if you buy a property in Ocean City, MD and it comes with a deeded boat dock, you’re most likely buying two properties. This means you’ll have Ocean City, MD real estate taxes on your condo or home in Ocean City and on the deeded boat dock. You’ll also have the option of selling your boat slip separately from the unit if you decide you no longer have use for it.

Some deeded boat docks have a separate condo association. This means you’ll be paying condo association dues to cover common elements of the marina or dock area. You’ll want to review the condo association declaration and by-laws for regulation of the docks.

Some docks with a condo association have rules against owning the slip while not owning a condo or unit in the community. You may also have rental restrictions. Again, check the declaration and by-laws!

#2 Assigned Boat Docks

An assigned boat dock is a dock that is assigned to a specific condo unit, townhouse, or home. Most are assigned through the declaration. If it’s an assigned dock, it is attached to the condo unit, townhouse, or home you’re buying. It is not two separate properties.

Assigned slips are usually maintained by the condo association or homeowners association and may have specific common elements or limited common elements. You’ll want to review the declaration and by-laws of the association to determine what the condo association or homeowners association will maintain and what is your responsibility.

#3 Condo Association Maintained Boat Docks

Some associations have common area boat slips, which could be rented by unit owners or used at a first come first serve basis. This is typically treated as an amenity. 

#4 Bulkhead Boat Docks

If you’re buying a waterfront home for sale in Ocean City, MD, there’s a chance it may have a bulkhead to tie your boat up. These are found on direct bay front properties and canal homes in Ocean City, MD.

Some associations have common area bulkheads to tie your boat up. This would be a condo association run boat dock area.

If your property has a bulkhead, and is not controlled on maintained by a condo association or homeowners association, it is your responsibility to maintain. You’ll also need to comply with DNR regulations as to dock additions and boat lifts.

#5 Leased Boat Docks

Maybe you don’t want to be on the bayside but want to have easy access to the bay by boat. An alternative option is leasing a boat slip in Ocean City, MD. You could either find someone that has a deeded boat slip with the ability to lease the slip or a local marina.

Sometimes, families would rather buy closer to the beach like in an Oceanfront condo or Oceanblock condo which does not include a boat slip. By leasing a dock on the bay side they can still have access for adventures in the bay.  This could be an affordable alternative compared to finding a property for sale with a boat dock.